There is a single fatal problem with the NT. That is, that Jesus (the central figure in an ideology written by largely unknown authors), does not explain why his doctrines are good for mankind, he commands obedience to them and levies a system of rewards or punishments based on adherence and conformity. Jesus doesn't say, "Be good to one another because you are each precious," Jesus states, "Believe and obey and you will see heaven-- doubt and disobey and you will earn eternal damnation".
You may have missed the passages where Jesus said we are the salt of the earth, where the very hairs on our heads are numbered, that not even a sparrow falls without the Father's awareness--and that we are much more valuable than sparrows.
Keep in mind that in Biblical times, their word for eternal encompassed more than how we think of eternal. Jesus points out there are two ways that always were and always will be (everlasting/eternal). It is not possible to have a foot on both paths. For those who believe that mankind is made up of body, mind,
and spirit, with the spirit living on into eternity, the path we choose is vital to our overall well-being. Nor does the way Jesus taught begin in the next life. Jesus insisted that the heavenly path is within our reach right now, and noted that sinners and prostitutes had found their way onto this way before many people considered holy. In other words, heaven begins right now, right here on earth. So does damnation.
How do we know which path we are on? Jesus once compared the Way of Damnation to the fires in the Jerusalem city dump, where even so, the worms never die out.
If religion frustrates one to that point--where the inner fires never stop burning and that faith you see as a worm never dies--it may be wise to examine the path one has chosen. Hollie, you, Harmonica, and others have rightfully rejected religion and God as
you see and understand them. People of faith have also rejected religion and God and
you see them. Our discussions offer insight into another, very different perspective.
The biggest mistake we all make is assuming that people see things exactly as we see them while they reach a different conclusion/decision (that from our perspective is very wrong).
I am on the path that is right for me. You and Harmonica are on the path that is right for you because you see yourselves as turning away from evil. What I do not think either of you understand is that these are still two very different paths. My path took me into the vineyard at dawn and I have had all this extra time with the Father. The other path may take you into the vineyard at dusk...where everyone's reward will be exactly the same.